In an empty loft a woman and a man stick orange-coloured tape to the floor to demarcate two identically sized areas: one space is to be her dance studio and the other his sculpture workshop. An open plan kitchen and a mattress turn the place into a home. We observe them fusing in sexual passion, playing football with friends or partying, after which they always retreat behind their dividing lines as a means to spur their creativity. Before long, he begins to use her space for his large sculptures, and she uses them for her choreography. This interplay between intimacy and rivalry means that the couple are constantly exploring themselves anew. One day she catches sight of the end of a steel rope, an installation that leads outside and would appear to extend throughout the city. Whilst she makes her way towards the other end of the rope, he experiences a growing desire to have a child with her.Julia Murat playfully explores two lovers’ desire to belong. Their past and their longing for each other begin to challenge both their artistic identities as well as their identity as a couple.

Biography

Julia Murat

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1979, she studied graphic design at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro as well as screenwriting at the Escola de Cinema Darcy Ribeiro. Her documentary Dia dos pais premiered at the Cinéma du Réel festival in Paris. Her debut feature film HISTORIAS que só existem quando lembradas (Found Memories) premiered at Venice and went on to win 39 international awards including Best Film at Abu Dhabi, Sofia and Lima film festivals. Pendular is her second feature film.